Bring Johnno into the England loop, says Wheeler

Leicester are urging the RFU to interview Martin Johnson as a prospective England manager for the next World Cup on the basis that he is ready for a new role.

The Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler said of the

37-year-old former national captain: "Martin has had four years out of the game and was frustrated by the early England performances at the recent World Cup.

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"He feels he can do something. The powers-that-be are doing a review and he's someone they should be talking to.

"He's a serious rugby man and I feel he will get back involved at a serious level. Certainly he's someone the English rugby public would want involved.

"At some point, that's going to happen. You must have people who challenge you because if you don't, then you're not going anywhere.

"He's an experienced rugby man, an English guy who knows how to get the best out of people. He may have no experience of coaching or managing but he has led teams at the highest level.

"Rob Andrew (director of elite rugby) should be speaking to all the candidates — and there aren't that many.

"I'd be surprised if there wasn't change. What has gone on since the World Cup has not been particularly nice. I'm sure (England rugby coach) Brian Ashton still has a role to play but it's right to review his position."

The RFU reported record revenues yesterday of £103.7million for last season and an operating profit of £28.1m, more than 70 per cent up on the figure for the previous season.